Lights Out in Dunmow

Children lit candles for the men who paid the ultimate price. Picture: Mike Perry

The war memorial was illuminated by candles

More than 100 people gathered around the war memorial for the vigil

Poppy's and candles were put on the war memorial

The Air Training Corps were there to reflect on the lives lost

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More than 100 people gathered around the town’s war memorial to commemorate the moment it was declared Britain had entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.

At the late-night vigil, the chairman of the Dunmow branch of the Royal British Legion, Margaret Cole, reflected on why everyone had come together and the importance of remembering the price that was paid.

The poignant evening started at 10pm and the war memorial became illuminated by candles and poppies, put down by residents to pay their respects.

Just before 11pm all the candles but one were blown out, and then as 11pm struck the last flame was extinguished.

Margaret, who then read a prayer at the end of the event, said: “I thought it was quite moving and I was very proud that we had done it.

“I was astounded to see so many people turn out, of all different ages, and so late at night as well.”

She added: “All in all we did commemorate, and we did remember, which is good. It is hard for us to imagine what those boys went through, all the pain and the suffering.”

The 999 Dunmow and District Squadron Air Training Corps were there on the evening, handing out tea lights, and a list of the names of the soldiers on the war memorial.

Great Dunmow’s mayor Jonathan Cadwallader said of the vigil: “It was lovely and Margaret did a wonderful job organising it.

“There was a very friendly feel to the evening and it really was great to see so many people there.

“The fact it was held exactly 100 years after Britain entered the war made it very poignant.”